Software Engineering w/o a CS degree?

Uncle Buki · 01-06-2007, 10:38 PM

This is probably a shot in the dark, but I'll ask anyway: Is it possible for someone without a Computer Science degree to eventually become a Software Engineer? If so, how possible?

Is it unreasonable to suppose that through self-study and some classes one could enter the field as a programmer, prove himself over the course of several years, and eventually advance to SE? Also, what the heck is going on in software development employment...programming is dead and SE is booming? Please share your thoughts.

Note: I posted a similar topic in the Careers discussion.

ryno · 01-06-2007, 11:46 PM

Getting a degree will help you find employment in the field A LOT easier. It's not completely necessary, however. As you said, there are ways to "prove yourself". What you could do is teach yourself C or C++ and get involved in some Open Source projects. Build up a portfolio. If you don't have a degree you're going to need to prove that you can program. This is an excellent way to do it.

jaeusm · 01-06-2007, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Is it possible for someone without a Computer Science degree to eventually become a Software Engineer?

Yes, and conversely, a computer science degree will NOT make you a software engineer. Some smaller companies will interview and hire developers without a degree, but most others will require the degree before even granting an interview. You can make it without a degree, but the odds are not in your favor. On the other hand, having a degree will never hurt you. It will only help you.

Uncle Buki · 01-07-2007, 12:13 PM

Thanks to you both for the sound input. Here's what IÂ’m up against should I pursue a CS degree (at UC Davis):

- 30 years old and will be 32-33 by the time I'd graduate, which would leave me a decade behind other graduates
- Took Calculus 1 ten years ago with no math since, so I'd have some major catching-up to do (same w/ Chem and Physics)
- Probably more of a right-brain person; in other words, my ambition to succeed in CS may exceed my aptitude
- 45 minute drive to UCD, removing 1 1/2 hours from my study schedule
- Not much money for tutors, whom I'm fairly sure I'd need

However, as you indicated, the payoff is very good. Plus, UCD's CS program is an NSA Center of Excellence. Everyone faces obstacles, but do you think this is feasible? If you were in my shoes, what would you do, and how would you do it? Many thanks.

Iron_Cross · 01-07-2007, 04:50 PM

Do you have another degree, perhaps not CS? Some businesses only require a degree, without reguards as to what they're in. Then like some people said, you can 'prove' yourself with other things (certs, open source projects, etc). The whole 45 min drive thing, I wouldn't think too much about that. In all honesty, you don't even know how much study time you'll need...
Also tutors? ****, that's what the internet is for. Especially in the computer science world. I mean, if you show half an interest in the problem, and show that you're putting for a real effort into solving it, I can name at least 3 other top notch forums (not including this one), that would be chomping at the bit to help you, and for free!

If I were you, I'd probably go after the degree while skimming the job market at the same time. Perhaps getting my feelers out there. You can always ask questions to companies HR guys. Especially if you know some people in the business. I mean, the worst thing they can tell you is that they don't have time to talk.